Bordeaux

The Bordeaux blend has been copied with considerable success in many other wine regions, the ultimate compliment. The Left Bank of the Gironde River boasts the great Chateaux of the Medoc and Graves, whilst on the Right Bank, Saint Emilion (arguably the most beautiful commune) and Pomerol. Bordeaux is synonymous with the finest quality, predominantly in red wines though great dry whites are made in the Pessac Leognan, and most wine lovers will strive to taste the sweet white wines of Chateau Yquem and its neighbouring Chateau in Sauternes and Barsac.

Chateau Valiniere Blanc is a great example of the quality available from relatively inexpensive whites from Bordeaux, especially form the Graves region, south of Bordeaux city. In fact some of the worlds finest white wines are made in this region, made from a Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blend - fresh balanced wines with good minerality.

The 2009 vintage, to quote Robert Parker maybe be the best vintage in decades. Communes on the left bank particularly have produced some of the best wines they have ever made with Leoville Barton no exception. Tasted recently at an event conducted by Anthony Barton himself, the Leoville Barton 2009 is an exciting wine that even though so young is drinking well. With more time i…